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Born in New York state, Billy Crudup, 57, made his film debut in Sleepers in 1996. His subsequent movies include Almost Famous (2000), Big Fish (2003), Mission: Impossible III (2006), Spotlight (2015), Alien: Covenant (2017) and most recently Jay Kelly. On TV he has a long-running role in The Morning Show, for which he has won two Emmys. He stars in High Noon at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre until 6 March. He has a son and is married to Naomi Watts. He lives in New York City.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Flashes of hubris.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Flashes of hubris.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Giving a speech in high school at a pep rally that wasn’t going so well and the dean unplugged the mic. Apparently, I was rambling and the spirit of the cafeteria was being weighed down.
Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
An education for my child.
Describe yourself in three words
Slow but trying.
What would your superpower be?
Relentless kindness.
What makes you unhappy?
Walking in any city during a holiday season.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I try to stay positive.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Is this designed to kill my career?
What is the worst thing anyone’s ever said to you?
I was going to a bar with friends and there was a line at the door. I’d been there before and asked the doorman to skip the line. He said, “Oh, I remember you, you were in Almost Famous, weren’t you?” And I said, “Yeah.” And he goes, “Yeah, get back in line.”
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
I’ve got a pretty great mix of both right now.
What was the last lie that you told?
That I’ve got a pretty good mix of both right now.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Learning.
What does love feel like?
Being present where you are.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Well, I got to marry her, so it’s got to be my wife.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I don’t understand.
When did you last cry, and why?
Yesterday because I was being paid to do it on stage.
What would you like to leave your children?
A strong sense of being loved and a hopefulness for their life ahead.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
If people would just follow my rules about how they get around the city.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being a parent.
What keeps you awake at night?
Things I wish I’d done better that day.
How would you like to be remembered?
A net positive from my time on Earth.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
If you commit to it, you won’t ever stop learning.
What happens when we die?
Hopefully we have life in the minds and hearts of the people we interacted with.
